The Underground Writing Podcast

LINEBREAK is a single piece of student writing, offered as a pause during your daily life. We hope it will be generative of further creativity, perspective, and thought.---Show Notes:Today’s student writing is a poem by Eloisa (Ela), a student at our workshop site with the Migrant Leaders Club in the Mount Vernon, Washington school district.Some items mentioned in—or aligned with—today’s episode + Announcements:1. For more about writing being a tool for your life: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/bully-wise/202512/want-to-transform-your-life-writing-may-hold-the-key2. For a 5th year in a row (!), we have received a very significant organizational grant from an Anonymous Donor via the Seattle Foundation. We want to thank the donor—we hope you’re listening, and the Seattle Foundation for believing in the work we’re doing and helping our students continue to read, write, and make their voices heard.3. We’re excited to announce that we’re in the very beginning stages of working on our third anthology of student writing. Details are forming, and talks with a publisher are underway. We’re excited and—as with all creative projects—letting the energy and ideas have a time of incubation before talking any more about it. But stay tuned—more details will be coming in the months ahead.And in case you don’t know, or haven’t revisited our work in awhile, we already have two anthologies of student writing—What No One Ever Tells You and When the Dust Rises—in stock and available via our website store – at www.undergroundwriting.org4. What a year already—seemingly unending wars, a divided country teetering on the precipice, and deep funding and staff cuts in the Arts sector— and this is at both the national and local levels. As a community arts nonprofit that depends on grants and individual donations for our survival, we need your support now as much as ever. We’d be honored if you’d keep us in mind as you plan for your advocacy and charitable giving: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate5. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate).---We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated.Our website: www.undergroundwriting.orgYou can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] for listening, Friends.Safe journey, and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s student writing is a poem is by Justin, a student at our workshop site with the Skagit County Community Justice Center (our county’s jail for adult women and men).Some items mentioned in—or aligned with—today’s episode + Announcements:1. The long quote about the subject of time in today’s episode was from the Life Wisdom podcast episode, “Everything Has Its Timing.”2. What a year already—seemingly unending wars, a divided country teetering on the precipice, and deep funding and staff cuts in the Arts sector— and this is at both the national and local levels. As a community arts nonprofit that depends on grants and individual donations for our survival, we need your support now as much as ever. We’d be honored if you’d keep us in mind as you plan for your advocacy and charitable giving: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate3. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate).---We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated.Our website: www.undergroundwriting.orgYou can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] for listening, Friends. Safe journey, and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re excited to let you know that after a series of pilot writing workshops in the Summer and Fall of 2025, we have—as of January 22, 2026—officially launched our 6th writing workshop site—Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County (https://skagitclubs.org/). Thanks to Yesica, Dena, Marco, Clemente, Cynthia, and all the staff and students at the site for welcoming us. We look forward to reading and writing with you all.-----------Today’s feature was an interview with Robert S., an alumnus of our program. He was a student in our very first writing workshop—July 8, 2015—at our site in Skagit County Juvenile Detention. He is the poet who wrote, “Dear System” in our 1st anthology, What No Over Ever Tells You. Robert currently reads, writes, and lives in Alaska with his girlfriend and their three cats.You can support students like Robert by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies in our website store, and making a donation to help sustain our ongoing work via our website’s secure donation portal.Some items mentioned in—or aligned with—today’s episode & announcements:1. Robert’s writing is included in What No One Ever Tells You, our first anthology, and available via our website’s store here: https://undergroundwriting.org/store2. Radio story Robert appears on . . . Thanks again to NPR / KNKX for featuring Underground Writing a couple of weeks ago, on October 10, 2025 in their series: Agents of Change: Addressing Youth Violence — Lessons that Work. And thanks to Emil Moffatt for the interview. If you’re interested in listening to the story: https://www.knkx.org/tags/agents-of-change-addressing-youth-violence-lessons-that-work3. What a year already!—seemingly unending wars, a divided country teetering on the precipice, and lots of fear throughout the country.  On a lesser note, there are also deep funding and staff cuts in the Arts sector— and this is at both the national and local levels. As a community arts nonprofit that depends on grants and individual donations for our survival, we need your support now more than ever. We’d be honored if you’d join our work as a patron-supporter: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate4. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate).---We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated.Our website: www.undergroundwriting.orgYou can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] for listening, Friends.Safe journey, and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes:As we mentioned several times, Skagit County is experiencing flooding at historic levels. Here are some contact points for help:Emergency: Call 911General / non-emergency help and updatesIncident InformationEvacuation Map---Today’s student writing is a poem is by Dustin, a student in our writing workshop at the Skagit County Community Justice Center.Some items mentioned in—or aligned with—today’s episode & Announcements:1. Remember to send us your GRATITUDE LIST. We’d like to join with you in celebrating the good things happening amidst such a challenging time in our world. And we may even read some of them on the air. If you’re up for it, you can email it here: [email protected]. We’re grateful that Podcast Review—a Los Angeles Review of Books channel—recently included us on their list of “The 12 Best Writing Podcasts” (Dec. 1, 2025). Shout outs to the review’s author, Alice Florence Orr, who wrote in her review: “An accomplished and poignant example of how writing can create a positive impact beyond bookshop shelves . . .” A big note of gratitude to Alice, Podcast Review, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. We truly appreciate your support.3. Thanks to NPR / KNKX for featuring Underground Writing a couple of weeks ago, on October 10, 2025 in their series: Agents of Change: Addressing Youth Violence — Lessons that Work. And thanks to Emil Moffatt for the interview. If you’re interested in listening to the story: https://www.knkx.org/tags/agents-of-change-addressing-youth-violence-lessons-that-work4. We’re heading into the final months of the year. And what a year—seemingly unending wars, a divided country teetering on the precipice, and deep funding and staff cuts in the Arts sector— and this is at both the national and local levels. As a community arts nonprofit that depends on grants and individual donations for our survival, we need your support now more than ever. We’d be honored if you’d make a year-end donation: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate5. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate).---We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated.Our website: www.undergroundwriting.orgYou can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] for listening, Friends. Safe journey, and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes: Today’s student writing is a poem is by Cristian, a student at our workshop site inside Skagit County Juvenile Detention.Some items mentioned in—or aligned with—today’s episode // Announcements:1. Remember that you can watch a short film of the featured poem today on our website under the “Collaborations” tab—choose “FilmVerse,” and you’ll be directed to the correct page. Cristian’s poem is part of the 2018 collection. Or, click the following link to go directly to FilmVerse | https://undergroundwriting.org/filmverse2. Thanks to NPR / KNKX for featuring Underground Writing a couple of weeks ago, on October 10, 2025 in their series: Agents of Change: Addressing Youth Violence — Lessons that Work. And thanks to Emil Moffatt for the interview. If you’re interested in listening to the story: https://www.knkx.org/tags/agents-of-change-addressing-youth-violence-lessons-that-work3. We’re heading into the final months of the year. And what a year—seemingly unending wars, a divided country teetering on the precipice, and deep funding and staff cuts in the Arts sector— and this is at both the national and local levels. As a community arts nonprofit that depends on grants and individual donations for our survival, we need your support now as much as ever. We’d be honored if you’d keep us in mind as you plan for your year-end giving: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate4. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate).---Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated.Our website: www.undergroundwriting.orgYou can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] for listening, Friends.Safe journey, and take good care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes:Today’s featured poem, “My Voice Ran Away” was by Xaiviar. You can support students like Xaiviar by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies in our website store, and donating to help our ongoing work via our website’s secure donation portal.https://undergroundwriting.org/donateSome items connected to today’s episode: What No One Ever Tells You (student writing anthology): https://undergroundwriting.org/store    *Xaiviar’s poem is included – page 37.Our re/vision program: https://undergroundwriting.org/revisionThe Letters to a Young Inmate initiative: http://letterstoayounginmate.org/Become a patron-donor: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate Announcements: 1. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate). --- We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org Send inquiries, questions, or pitches for advertising here: [email protected] Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey, and take good care. : Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes: Today’s featured letters and feedback were written by students and ONE PAGE participants. This episode’s featured poem, “A Day So Happy,” was by Victor. You can support students like these by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies in our website store, and becoming a supporter. You can join our support team by donating to help our ongoing work via our website’s secure donation portal here:https://undergroundwriting.org/donate  Some items mentioned in today’s episode: What No One Ever Tells You (student writing anthology): https://undergroundwriting.org/storeDetention Center in the Seattle area: https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-facilities/northwest-ice-processing-center-nwipcCzeslaw Milosz’ poem, “A Gift”: https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/gift-0/Seattle Foundation: https://www.seattlefoundation.org/ArtsWA: https://www.arts.wa.gov/Paul G. Allen Family Foundation: https://www.allenphilanthropies.org/ Announcements: 1. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate). Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey, and take good care. : Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes: Today’s featured writing was by Ali, a writer experiencing incarceration in Oregon, who submitted to our ONE PAGE publication opportunity for incarcerated writers.   You can support our students, ONE PAGE, and writers like Ali by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies in our website store, and making a donation to help sustain our ongoing work via our website’s secure donation portal. Some items mentioned in—or aligned with—today’s episode:UNICEF: Helping children around the world: https://www.unicefusa.org/   ONE PAGE (part of our re/vision program): https://undergroundwriting.org/revisionDetention Center in the Seattle area: https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-facilities/northwest-ice-processing-center-nwipc  Announcements: 1. Please consider listening to S5E9, “Victor Manuel Vivanco Reyes,” to learn about/support Victor, former student now alumnus of our program. Victor is currently being detained by ICE in the Seattle/Tacoma area. 2. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate).--- We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey, and take good care. : Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LINEBREAK is a single piece of student writing, offered as a pause during your daily life. We hope it will be generative of further creativity, perspective, and thought.---Show Notes:Today’s featured poem was by student and alumnus, Victor. You can support students like Victor by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies and other merch in our online store, and making a donation to help our work continue – you can donate via our website’s secure donation portal here: https://undergroundwriting.org/donateAnnouncements:1. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved: 1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision), 2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and 3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate).---We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated.Our website: www.undergroundwriting.orgYou can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] for listening, Friends.Safe journey, and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes: Today’s featured poems were by student/alumnus, Victor. You can support students like Victor by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies and other merch in our online store, and making a donation to help our work continue – you can donate via our website’s secure donation portal here: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate Some items mentioned in today’s episode: Detention Center in the Seattle area: https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-facilities/northwest-ice-processing-center-nwipcLangston Hughes’ poem, “I, Too”: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47558/i-tooPaul Valery’s poem, “The Angel Handed Me a Book”: https://friko-diamonddesigns.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-angel-handed-me-book.htmlCzeslaw Milosz’ poem, “A Gift”: https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/gift-0/Ilya Kaminsky’s poetry book, Deaf Republic: https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/deaf-republicAnnouncements: We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved:  1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision),  2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and  3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate). We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org. You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] Thanks for listening, Friends. Safe journey, and take good care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes: Today’s featured writings were by incarcerated adult students at our workshop site with the Skagit County Community Justice Center. You can support students like them by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies in our website store, and donating to help our ongoing work via our website’s secure donation portal here: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate Announcements: 1. For a 4th year in a row, we have received a very significant organizational grant from an Anonymous Donor via the Seattle Foundation. We want to thank the donor and the Seattle Foundation for believing in the work we’re doing and helping our students continue to read, write, and make their voices heard.2.  We’re grateful that Podcast Review—a Los Angeles Review of Books channel—recently included us on their list of “7 Indie Podcasts to Listen to This Spring.”  Shout outs to the review’s author, Alice Florence Orr, who wrote in her review regarding the contexts in which we serve: “Some politicians and news outlets paint these communities with a broad and dark brush. But The Underground Writing Podcast offers a different perspective: writing as a communal act, a way to spark connection and hope . . . the podcast amplifies voices often lost in the noise, proving that the power of storytelling isn’t confined to MFA programs or publishing deals.” A big note of gratitude to Alice, Podcast Review, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. We truly, truly appreciate your support.3. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved:  1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision),  2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and  3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate). --- Listeners!—Help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey, and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes Today’s featured writing was by Max, a student—and now alumnus—at our writing workshop site in Skagit County Juvenile Detention. You can support students like Max by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies and other merch in our online store, and making a donation to help our work continue – you can donate via our website’s secure donation portal here: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate Announcements: 1. If you recently began listening to our podcast—or if you’ve been with us for a number of years—we want to remind you to check out the first 3 episodes of this reboot season to get an overview of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Check out season 5, episodes 1, 2, and 3.2.  We’re back from the winter break, and are working on more episodes, including interviews, student writing, and our in-stream serials: Linebreak and KITE. Stay tuned, friends!3. We regularly hear from folks asking how they can be involved with—or help out—Underground Writing. We’re grateful for the interest. Please check out our “Get Involved” page on our website: https://undergroundwriting.org/get-involved Also, to highlight a few inroads for getting involved:  1) If you live locally, consider joining us for our once-a-month re/vision volunteer day (https://undergroundwriting.org/revision),  2) Spread the word about our Letters to a Young Inmate initiative (https://undergroundwriting.org/letters-to-a-young-inmate), and  3) Consider partnering with us by becoming a patron-donor – we’re only able to do our work because of our individual donors and grant partners . . . and we are always in need of these donor-partnerships so that we can continue our work (https://undergroundwriting.org/donate). --- We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey, and take good care. : Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s featured writings were by Anthony and Carlos, students at our writing workshop site in Skagit County Juvenile Detention. You can support students like Anthony and Carlos by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies and other merch in our online store, and making a donation to help our work continue – you can donate via our website’s secure donation portal here: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate Laurie Parker is a screenwriter, film and music producer, and teacher. Since 2016 she has led writing workshops for people in the incarcerated, unhoused, undocumented, and foster youth communities. She taught screenwriting at Pacific University’s MFA Writing Program, at Hugo House in Seattle, and at the Calabash Literary Foundation in Jamaica. In 2018, she produced the Emmy Award-winning, PBS documentary, Finding Home, A Foster Youth Story. She co-wrote and produced the film and music for Rodrigo Rey Rosa’s documentary Carcel de Árboles/Prison of Trees in 2015 and his feature film Lo que soño Sebastían/What Sebastían Dreamt, both in Guatemala. More about Laurie Book Laurie is currently reading: Civilizations by Laurent Benet Echo Park Unhoused EncampmentWe want to thank the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, the Seattle Community Foundation, and the Renaissance Charitable Foundation for their generosity to us via grants made to Underground Writing in 2024. We are sustained by your generosity! Thanks for seeing and supporting us, and believing in the ongoing work we’re doing. Book Shucker | A local independent bookstore we love! They sell our books, and we’re spreading the work about what they’re doing. You can buy books in person in Edison, WA, or online at their store. You can also make them your benefitting store on Bookshop.org, and they’ll receive a bit of kickback for every purchase you make.We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey . . . and take good care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LINEBREAK is a single piece of student writing, offered as a pause during your daily life. We hope it will be generative of further creativity, perspective, and thought. _____ SHOW NOTES: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 If you recently began listening to our podcast—or if you’ve been with us for a number of years—we want to remind you to check out the first 3 episodes of this reboot season to get an overview of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Check out season 5, episodes 1, 2, and 3. Today’s featured poetry is included in our first anthology of student writing, What No One Ever Tells You. The poems in this episode were written “after” the Swedish poet, Tomas Tranströmer. You can learn more about his life and work here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/tomas-transtromer Interested in reading more of Tranströmer’s work? We recommend this volume of his poetry (shout outs to New Directions for this lovely edition!): the great enigma (new collected poems) Learn more about our re/vision program, as well as our re/vision program’s monthly volunteer day, on our website here: https://undergroundwriting.org/revision Underground Writing’s photo-based NEWS page. (Hover over the images to access text, more information, and links to connected topics.) Our website – Programs / News / Contact / Donations: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey . . . and take good care.  : Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LINEBREAK is a single piece of student writing, offered as a pause during your daily life. We hope it will be generative of further creativity, perspective, and thought. _____ Tuesday, November 5, 2024 Today is Election Day 2024. Listeners, if you have not already done so, we urge you to get out and vote as soon as possible! If you don’t know where to vote, check out Vote.org. You can access their voting location help here: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/   If you recently began listening to our podcast—or if you’ve been with us for a number of years—we want to remind you to check out the first 3 episodes of this reboot season to get an overview of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Check out season 5, episodes 1, 2, and 3. Learn more about the Letters to a Young Inmate initiative: www.letterstoayounginmate.org Underground Writing’s photo-based NEWS page. (Hover over the images to access text, more information, and links to connected topics.) Our website – Programs / News / Contact / Donations: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey . . . and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KITE ['kīt, noun] 1. A note requesting or providing information, passed from one inmate to another in a separate cell, to someone on the outside, or to a guard; 2. Underground Writing’s audio zine featuring a selection of student writing.SHOW NOTES: Today’s featured writings were written by our adult students at the Skagit County Community Justice Center (our county jail). These pieces were written during the Covid era. You can support these students, as well as all our students, by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies in our website store, and making a donation to help our ongoing work via our website’s secure donation portal. For more information about where things are at with regard to our podcast reboot, as well as our organization overall, please listen to the previous two, reboot special episodes: S5E1, The Underground Writing Podcast (September 26, 2024) and S5E2, Linebreak (October 3, 2024). Underground Writing’s photo-based NEWS page. (Hover over the images to access text, more information, and links to connected topics.) Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org You can e-mail us at: [email protected] The Underground Writing podcast is recorded and produced by Underground Writing. You can access it via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast outlets, as well as on our website where we include links of interest connected to items mentioned in each episode. We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey, and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LINEBREAK is a single piece of student writing, offered as a pause during your daily life. We hope it will be generative of further creativity, perspective, and thought. *A prefatory note. We recorded this episode on Monday, September 30, 2024. While in the process of recording it at a local college library, an “active shooter” event took place in the nearby vicinity—outside the library where we were located. The library and college went to lockdown, as did all the other schools in the area. The students and staff members all scrambled to locations inside the library—by walls, under tables, in offices, or, like us, in one of three side-area study rooms. In the seconds it took to grasp what was happening, I (Matt) saw a student walking around, unsure where he should go. He pointed at me, as I pointed at him through the glass window of the study room. I motioned for him to come inside. I turned off the light, and sat in the corner, my leg extending across the bottom inside of the door. The student sat across from me, also in the corner. He called his mom. I texted my family. We introduced ourselves. And what ensued was a wonderful conversation between Mason and me, two humans with about a two to three decade age difference, both caught in a situation with unknown variabilities and outcomes, getting to know each other, talking as a way to bring peace and calm amidst a fearful situation. Twenty minutes later—the situation under control—the library went off lockdown. Lights went back on. Mason and I stood up and shook hands and expressed gratitude for the time. If you’re reading this, Mason, thanks for the dialogue, for your willingness to share, and for your camaraderie in a time of danger. On today’s episode, our featured student writing is, “Growing Up Is Not Easy” by Juli from our site with the Migrant Leaders Club in the Mount Vernon School District. Migrant Leaders Club Collaboration with artist and photographer, Marilyn Montufar. Thanks to Marilyn and the MLC for your work with us. Marilyn’s own website. Migrant Leaders Club & Underground Writing travel to New York (2018) to watch Quiara Alegría Hudes’ new musical Miss You Like Hell. Underground Writing’s photo-based NEWS page. (Hover over the images to access text, more information, and links to connected topics.) Our website – Programs / News / Contact / Donations: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey . . . and take good care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this first episode of Season 5, we talk about the reboot of The Underground Writing Podcast. Highlights include a catchup / overview coming out of the Covid era, a few updates regarding programs and collaborations, and a reading of "Ode to My Journal," a poem by Anthony, one of our students at our writing workshop site in Skagit County Juvenile Detention.Show Notes: Today’s featured writing is “Ode to My Journal” by Anthony, a student at our writing workshop site in Skagit County Juvenile Detention. You can support Anthony, and students like him, by spreading the word about our podcast, purchasing student writing anthologies and other merch in our online store, and making a donation to help our work continue – you can donate via our website’s secure donation portal here: https://undergroundwriting.org/donate Our website: www.undergroundwriting.org You can send inquiries, or pitches for advertising, here: [email protected] Learn more about the Letters to a Young Inmate initiative via our website here:www.letterstoayounginmate.org The Sentences That Create Us: Crafting a Writer’s Life in Prison is a wonderful resource, Edited by Caits Meissner (a member of our Advisory Board). You can learn more about this book online here: https://pen.org/program/the-sentences-that-create-us/ More about our re/vision program can be accessed via our website here:www.undergroundwriting.org/revision Podcast Review, a Los Angeles Review of Books channel, published an article in April 2024 about top writing podcasts, and included us in the list for a third time. We’re beyond grateful to be included amongst such company. You can read Alice Florence Orr’s article online here: https://podcastreview.org/list/best-writing-podcasts/We’re repeating ourselves, but it’s good to say again . . . Listeners!—You can also help us by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or other outlets. And something new—we may even read some of them on the air. Podcast reviews help other like-minded folks find out about our show, as well as our broader work. Any help you can lend to this effort would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening, Friends.  Safe journey . . . and take good care.: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fall 2024 Podcast Reboot - We're back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KITE:A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARDB. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITINGJen Bradbury, UW Teaching Writer, shares student writing from What No One Ever Tells You. My Cell -Victor I Won’t Front -J.S. I Am Not What You Think I Am -Luciean Nascar Dialogue -Josh Survival -M. We Sit Here Together -Students and Teaching Writers, in a circle, one line eachUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-need communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesica joins Matt and Alvin in the park on a sunny day. She shares new work and updates us on her journey. Matt gives updates on workshops, events, and amplifying voices.LINKS OF INTEREST:Podcast Review: Underground WritingDear America chapbookThe Change - Book PipelineMarilyn MontufarJacob Lawrence GalleryClaudia Castro LunaLetters to a Young InmateThe War and Peace of Tim O'BrienUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-need communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re still here. Matt and Alvin read excerpts from DEAR AMERICA, the newest collection of student writing, packaged as our latest chapbook. They check in on the state of… everything, having made it into the new year. Matt gives updates on writing workshops and amplifying voices.LINKS OF INTEREST:DEAR AMERICA CHAPBOOKTHE CHANGE - BOOK PIPELINEMARILYN MONTUFARCLAUDIA CASTRO LUNALETTERS TO A YOUNG INMATEUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KITE:A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARDB. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITINGMatt shares student writing from the e-workshops at the Skagit County Community Justice Center site. Finding Hope (excerpt) - Garrett Helping - C. Seven Aphorisms - Michael I Need You to Unlock Heaven's Door - Kyle Being locked up - Leland Fulfillment of Last Laugh - Joshua My Answer - BrianUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been something—this year of 2020: the pandemic, the quarantine, the killing of George Floyd and the ensuing protests, the wildfires currently occurring up and down the west coast, the looming November election . . . It’s been a year of great challenges, and a year of hope for true and lasting change.  How will this year—and how will we—be remembered?  In this episode, Matt and Alvin read pieces circling the theme of remembrance, written before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Additionally, they share a summary overview of the situation for Underground Writing, as well as program updates, forthcoming projects, and great news about a just-announced grant.LINKS OF INTEREST:'Last Will and Testament' – Sherman Alexie 'No Many of Them, It's True' – Gregory Orr (part of the “The World Has Need of You” collection)'Orpheus and Eurydice: A Lyric Sequence' – Gregory Orr'Poetry as Survival' – Gregory Orr'Orpheus, Eurydice, Hermes' - Rainer Maria Rilke (translated by Steven Mitchell)Hope in These Times:  e-deliverable writing worksheetUnderground Writing’s active writing workshops: Mount Vernon Migrant Leaders Club in the Mount Vernon School District Skagit County Community Justice Center Skagit County Juvenile Detention Skagit Valley Recovery Site (hosted by Brigid Collins) YMCA Oasis Daylight CenterThe Change list of suggested books  Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds I'm Still Here: Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness - Austin Channing Brown The Vintage Hughes - Langston Hughes Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison The Winter of Our Discontent - John SteinbeckLetters to a Young Inmate is in the home stretch, launching later 2020Academy of American PoetsCommunity of American Magazines and PressesNational Book FoundationCOVID 19 pandemicPNW wildfire smokeUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To say that the Coronavirus has changed things is an understatement. The world is in a state of forced improvisation. Things have been quite different for us, too, during the quarantine. In this episode, Matt provides a summary overview of the situation for Underground Writing, program updates and adaptations, and shares new student writing created in response to the current COVID-19 era.LINKS OF INTEREST:The Decameron – Giovanni BoccaccioDavid BudbillLucille CliftonUnderground Writing News & PhotosWhat No One Ever Tells YouUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BEFORE any stay-at-home orders were in effect, Elizabeth Riley joined Matt and Alvin in the studio to talk about her research project, the high school classroom vs leading a creative writing workshop with UW, and how she navigated a love of reading/writing into a career. Elizabeth is a graduate student at Gardner-Webb University, researching the effect/outcome of Underground Writing’s workshops on the individual level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Club Icarus” is a poem by Matthew W. Miller that was brought in to UW writing workshops at the Skagit County Community Justice Center. Elizabeth Riley, local high school teacher and grad student, joins Matt and Alvin in the studio to explore the myth of Icarus.LINKS OF INTEREST: Hadestown Mythology by Edith Hamilton Myth of Icarus Club Icarus by Matthew W. MillerUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation.Note: As you know, friends, our program is focused on providing creative writing workshops that promote writing, reading, self-discovery, and voice amplification in a variety of community settings.  Because of the current health threats presented by the coronavirus to our students and the Underground Writing family of workers and volunteers, we are suspending all workshop activity for the time being.  In doing so, we are following county, state, and national mandates for precautionary measures.  A variety of Underground Writing projects and administrative functions will continue via independent tasks and meetings conducted via e-mail and video conference.  We will keep you updated as the days and weeks progress.  Thank you for your interest and impact on our students and the Underground Writing community.  Keep listening.  Keep healthy and safe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KITE:A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARDB. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITINGSusanne Antonetta, UW Teaching Writer and editor of the Bellingham Review, shares student writing from the workshops at Skagit County Community Justice Center. I Have to Swallow the Time by C Ode to My Socks by Robin I Have Been Known by Alison I Have Been Known by Hannah I Have Been Known by anonymous Dear ICE by Adriana Dear System by Robert I Have Been Known by Marcus I Have Been Known by PatrickUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back for the first podcast of 2020. Matt and Alvin revisit the numbers from 2019 and give you a heads up of what’s planned for 2020, so mark your calendars.Thanks to the Rick Epting Foundation for the Arts and ArtsWA for supporting our efforts.Talk About Me, by Yesica Solano is available nowUpcoming Events:Dear America chapbook To be published in early 2020Finding Home: A Foster Youth Story, produced by UW Teaching Writer Laurie ParkerThursday, March 12, 2020 at the Lincoln TheatreMigrant Leaders Club reading Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Lopez Book Shop on Lopez IslandHidden Truth, by the Migrant Leaders Club, produced by UW Teaching Writer Jennifer Morison HendrixThursday, April 23, 2020 at the Lincoln TheatreLetters to a Young Inmate initiativeMay 2020FilmVerse screeningThursday, May 21, 2020 at the Lincoln Theatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When people ask, "What's Underground Writing?" the quick answer is that we're a creative writing program for at-risk communities. One of the follow up questions we sometimes receive: "How does it all work financially?" We think this is a great year-end question! Matt and Alvin discuss these aspects of the organization, and invite listeners to partner with Underground Writing so as to continue and help sustain its transformative impact.Partner with Underground WritingUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“His Cup” is a piece of student writing from the Skagit Recovery Community Site. Matt gives context on this site and he and Alvin discuss grief and mourning, as we carry the items of our deceased loved ones.LINKS OF INTEREST:Brigid Collins Family Support CenterHabibi, retail pop-up shop in Mount Vernon, Washington—in collaboration with Skagit River Poetry Foundation and Voices of the ChildrenTalk About Me, upcoming chapbook from local poet and UW’s intern Yesica Solano. Hear some pieces and a short interview on KITE 5 with Yesica Solano, parts 1 and 2What No One Ever Tells YouUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KITE:A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARDB. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITINGA. Muia, UW Teaching Writer, shares student writing from the workshops at Skagit County Juvenile Detention. Where I’m From by E I Am From by J I Belong Here by A Visitation Hours by B One Medicine I’ve Taken by M I Feel Like a Loaded Gun by J A Painting by Vincent Van Gogh by CUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Habibi is Arabic for beloved, darling. It's also the holiday pop-up market in downtown Mount Vernon sponsored by Voices of the Children, Skagit River Poetry Foundation, and Underground Writing. This short episode has the directors of those local organizations and Habibi's Featured Artist Asil Jabr around the table at the pop-up retail space. Features: Asil Jabr and Aaron Wagner: Voices of the Children // Molly McNulty: Skagit River Poetry Foundation // Matt Malyon: Underground Writing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julie Ryan and UW Director Matt attended graduate school together in Vancouver, B.C. Earlier this year, Julie reached out to Matt from her English classroom in Dunedin, New Zealand in response to The Underground Writing Podcast episode about our 2018 week-long intensive at juvenile detention. She has since started a creative writing group at St. Hilda's Collegiate School and is with us in the studio to discuss literary education and cultural shifts.LINKS OF INTEREST:kia ora, Maori greetingSt. Hilda’s Collegiate School in Dunedin, New ZealandInternational Literacy Association: 2019 Conference in New OrleansEquity in EducationRenée Watson, author of Piecing Me Together and Some Places More Than OthersDavid Kirkland, Executive Director of NYU Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of SchoolsHamish Brewer, author of RELENTLESS: Changing Lives by Disrupting the Educational NormJennifer Bradbury, Teaching Writer, on the Underground Writing PodcastLong Way Down, by Jason ReynoldsTomas Tranströmer, poetUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of KITE 5 is part 2 with our first intern, Yesica Solano.KITE: A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARD B. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITING4. Smile Like You Mean It5. My Favorite Lesson6. Get Up7. Jose LuisLINKS OF INTEREST: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter - Erika L. SánchezUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of KITE 5 is part 1 with our first intern, Yesica Solano.KITE: A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARD B. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITING1. Stranger2. Letter to My Mom3. No Woman’s Land Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This piece comes from our site at Skagit County’s Juvenile Detention. UW Teaching Writer Suzanne brought in a poem from a Chinese factory worker. Matt and Alvin discuss protest, despair, hope, and transformation. Links of Interest: What No One Ever Tells YouIron Moon: An Anthology of Chinese Worker PoetryIn the Words of China's WorkersUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KITE: A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARD B. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITING1. Dear Self by Jay 2. Broken by Rocky3. Lost Boy Rich by Richard4. Border of Paradise by Rocky5. There Have Been So Many Times by Ray6. This City is a Map of Pain by Jay7. Goodbye to My Addiction From a Psychotic Poet by Nick8. Reconciliation by Skylar9. A Letter for Hope by Nick10. Brain Spill by SkylarUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Alvin meet with Migrant Leaders Club students to discuss the piece OUR STORY from the collaborative anthology WHEN THE DUST RISES. Underground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! Matt and Alvin witness a short piece from the Community Justice Center of Skagit County. Underground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Hoke, UW Teaching Writer, shares recent student writing from the workshops at the Skagit County Community Justice Center. Note: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.LINKS OF INTEREST:Rainer Maria RilkeRaymond CarverWriters in the School (Seattle)SUMMER RECOMMENDED READING:MemoirAnother Bullshit Night in Suck City - Nick FlynnThe Ticking is the Bomb - Nick FlynnShort Stories and NovellasBirds of America - Lorrie MooreSeparate Flights - Andre Dubus NovelThe Fishermen - Chigozie ObiomaNon-Fiction & EssaysBlindspot - Teju ColePoetry as Survival - Gregory OrrPoetryThe Complete English Works - George HerbertThe Lice - W.S. MerwinPoems from Ish River Country: Collected Poems & Translations - Robert SundUncommon Prayer - Kimberly JohnsonUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What has grown into a generative collaboration began when we first met in June 2015 with Janice Blackmore, founder and advisor for the Mount Vernon Migrant Leaders Club. Underground Writing was a few weeks out from its official launch and we were meeting with Janice to talk about the club becoming our second site. Given the fact that one of the primary goals of the club is having students tell their stories, the idea of facilitated writing workshops interested her immediately. The dialogue continued over a number of months and we officially launched our site with the club in early October 2015.Janice joins Matt and Alvin in the studio to remember MLC’s earlier days and give us an update on the future. Note: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.LINKS OF INTEREST: Migrant Leaders Club Underground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in Northern Washington through literary engagement and personal restoration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This piece comes from the Migrant Leaders Club of the Mount Vernon School District. Matt and Alvin find common ground on themes of isolation, loneliness, hatred, and division. Note: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.LINKS OF INTEREST:What No One Ever Tells YouMigrant Leaders Club of Mount Vernon School DistrictAmerican Foundation for Suicide PreventionEmancipated StoriesZoe Mullery and Brothers in Pen - Our PodcastZoe Mullery and Brothers in Pen - ProgramFilmVerseUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in northern Washington through literacy and personal transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KITE: A. A NOTE PASSED FROM AN INMATE TO AN INMATE IN ANOTHER CELL OR TO A GUARD B. UNDERGROUND WRITING’S AUDIO ZINE FEATURING STUDENT WRITINGThis episode features six pieces of writing from Brothers in Pen, the creative writing class at San Quentin State Prison.Kenny Brydon, short story, "A Course in Reconciliation"Emile DeWeaver, memoir, "Crumbling Brick Dreams" from Brothers in Pen: The Ninth Annual Public ReadingRahsaan Thomas, short story, "Recycled"Udukobraye Pela, short story, "My Momma's Baby" from Pens Up, Don't ShootMichael Zell, short story, "Wisdom Exhortation" from Brothers in Pen: The Ninth Annual Public ReadingKevin Sawyer, short story, "The Bus Driver," from Brothers in Pen: The Eleventh Annual Public Reading (not yet published)Links of Interest: Brothers in PenWilliam James Association Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Hoke is a Gang Pastor and Prisoner Reentry Organizer as the Founder and Director of Underground Ministries. He joins Matt and Alvin in the studio to discuss what he’s encountered in his almost four years as a Teaching Writer at Underground Writing. Note: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.LINKS OF INTEREST:What No One Ever Tells YouChris HokeRainer Maria RilkeJellyfishMigrant Leaders ClubAldo Leopold Martin Espada Underground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in Northern Washington through literary engagement and personal restoration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kite: a. a note passed from an inmate to an inmate in another cell or to a guard b. Underground Writing’s audio zine featuring student writingThis episode features twelve pieces of writing from the Skagit County Community Justice Center, read by Matt Malyon. I’m Cold and the Temperature Doesn’t Change. Pancho. After the First Lightning, Where Does the Rain Go? Zachary.206. Zachary.I Will Ask Your Permission. Victor. After Sherman Alexie’s After the First Lightning. I Will Ask For Your Ear. Scripted Verses. After Sheman Alexie’s After the First Lightning. The Old Man. Mario. After Adélia Prado’s Lesson. Alcoholism. Mario. A Day So Happy. Mario. After Czeslaw Milosz’s A Gift. I Want My Story to Be About You. Jeff. After Sherman Alexie’s After the First Lightning.I Flirt With the Idea. Jeff. It Was a Shadowy Yard. Anonymous. After Adélia Prado’s Lesson. I Started This Week Thinking I Was Going to Get Out Today. Anonymous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zoe Mullery has been the creative writing teacher of Brothers in Pen at San Quentin Prison since 1999. This writing group has produced eight anthologies of:”fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, or some hybrid.” She joins Matt and Alvin in the studio to discuss truth/facts, the purpose of humans in community, generosity and story, and the gift of listening inward in a world of posturing and ego.The class exists because of the big vision and the big heart of the William James Association (WJA) and its Executive Director Laurie Brooks. WJA sponsors the Prison Arts Project at San Quentin State Prison and many other prisons throughout California. The Prison Arts Project is implemented at San Quentin by WJA Program Manager Carol Newborg, San Quentin Community Partnership Manager Steve Emrick, and Public Information Officer Lt. Sam Robinson. williamjamesassociation.orgBrothers in Pen has a website with occasional news, information on many of the writers, and links to purchase anthologies: brothersinpen.wordpress.com. You can contact Brothers in Pen at [email protected]: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.Underground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in Northern Washington through literary engagement and personal restoration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue exploring the DEAR AMERICA prompt from our site at the Skagit County Community Justice Center: ideas of balance and counter-balance, frustration and allure.Matt shares updates from a satellite program on the east coast, The Change: a book pipeline to—among other sites—the library at Green Hill School in Chehalis, WA,  and a teaser for our next Community Spotlight episode.Note: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.LINKS OF INTEREST:What No One Ever Tells YouLangston HughesSkagit County Community Justice CenterWashington States Arts Commission (ArtsWA)One Year Writing in the MarginsThe Change - Book PipelineUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in Northern Washington through literary engagement and personal restoration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Alvin wrestle with the implications of a poem of blessing from the Skagit County Community Justice Center site, and meditate on its beauty and selflessness. They also discuss the recent Hidden Truth event, performed by the Migrant Leaders Club and directed by Underground Writing’s Teaching Writer, Jennifer Morison Hendrix.Note: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.Links of Interest: What No One Ever Tells YouWriters in the SchoolsSeattle Arts & Lectures (WITS)Washington State Arts CommissionPoets HouseThe Hidden Truth (news article)AWP 2019 ConferenceSuzanne Paola AntonettaThe Kenyon ReviewThe Georgia ReviewUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in Northern Washington through literary engagement and personal restoration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Alvin read a piece of vivid memory from juvenile detention, aftering poems by Osip Mandelstam and Marina Tsvetaeva. Matt shares updates about UW Teaching Writers, Chris Hoke and Suzanne Paola Antonetta.Note: We are a creative writing program serving at-risk populations. We do not broadcast names or identifying details of the students we work with.Links of Interest: What No One Ever Tells YouWashington State Arts CommissionOsip MandelstamMarina TsvetaevaChristian WimanIlya KaminskyJean ValentineChris HokeSuzanne Paola AntonettaUnderground Writing: a literature-based creative writing program serving migrant, incarcerated, recovery, and other at-risk communities in Northern Washington through literary engagement and personal restoration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.